new member

[Zoeysmom]

I'm a new member and just wanted to introduce myself. I have a thirteen week old female yorkie named Zoey. I bought her from a breeder when she was 8 weeks old, so I'm about five weeks into this. She's very tiny -- about 1.5 lbs -- and according to the breeder may reach only 3-4 pounds. I did not buy her for her size -- I wanted a female and this was the only female the breeder had, and so far everything is great. We also have a 7 year old female shepherd who is great with her. Actually, the shepherd goes off by herself sometimes when she's had enough of Zoey, and the shepherd is extremely gentle with her. My kids love watching the two of them together. I've been told many times that Yorkies do not realize their size and that is especially true with Zoey.

I have a few concerns, the first one being with her size. I know that she has to be watched closely, and she is, because of obvious dangers -- being stepped on, falling off of something, etc. So far, we've had no problems there. But do the smaller ones tend to have more health problems in general. Is it possible that even at her size, she could end up being a healthy dog? I took her to two vets who said she is healthy now, but the first vet made me feel like the best thing to do was to give her back and get a "sturdier" dog. My second concern is with training her -- I'd like to change what I've been
doing. Should I be in a different forum? I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.

[chachi]

Hello and welcome to yorkietalk! I am sure your little one is a doll/ Small yorkies can have health problems but not all do have. I have a small girl shes 4 lbs and she has no problems. Good luck!

[Kelz]

Welcome to YT!

[Flakes]

Welcome to YT and congratulations on your new baby. I would not be overly concerned about her size there are many tinies who are perfectly healthy. I have a friend who has a 12 year old tiny and she's been healthy all her life. You do have to keep in mind that should she get ill from an upset tummy or runny stools that she may dehydrate quickly. All dogs get sick from time to time. If she is healthy now there is no reason to believe that she will not continue to be.

[lillissy82790]

hello and welcome !! i'm sure you will enjoy YT, you will soon become addicted like the rest of us. please post pics of zoey! maisy and i would love to see her!!!

[chewysmom]

Hi and welcome to YT. I have a pup that is 5 1/2 mos. and he was around your pup's size at that age. At first we were crazy because he was so small and he got stepped on a couple of times. Now he is about 2 1/2 lbs. and can maneuver himself around without getting harmed, he knows the lay of the land, so to speak. After you have had him a while and he gains a pound or two, you will find the change remarkable.

As for training, there is a training forum here and you could look around that or get a book with advice. I have yorkshire terriers for dummies and it has great info. It just depends on what you want to do.

Good luck with your little one.

[mzkim]

Hello and welcome. I to own 2 small yorkies one is 3lbs and the other one is 1.10lbs. I also have 2 chi chi's and they are 3lbs and 8lbs. So far I have had no problems with any of my small ones. Good luck with your little one and welcome.

[evelyn]

I presently have a 14 week old female, 2 lbs., the breeder wouldn't allow me to take her till 12 wks. old. I've been told she will be about 4 lbs.fully grown. and I do have training problems. As a response to your concerns, these little guys are fragile but full of spirit/energy/ and love. There are some common sense areas you must be careful of such as don't step on them, don't let them fall, wear a doggie coat in the winter, etc. I sadly have a major concern that many Yorkie owners may not be aware of. but should be.

Two months ago I lost a beautiful, 4lb, healthy 7 yr. old Yorkie. How? an annual routine teeth cleaning. The procedure had been performed each of 3 previous years without incident by a trusted Vet. Upon moving to another state, I went to a new but highly reccommended vet twice before a cleaning was scheduled. It seems that while under anesthesia it was determined a tooth needed to be extracted so an injection for pain was given - that's when it happened. My baby went into cardiac arrest and couldn't be revived. Pre-op blood work had been done. Needless to say, I was devastated I have a new baby now along with many fears as she needs to be spayed, but a hard lesson has been learned. In ernest, make sure your vet has more than just passing experience with Yorkies. When your little one needs surgery check out the anesthesia used, as Yorkies require something special; don't allow pain meds to be given by injection; be sure to spend the extra fee for pre-op blood work. When you've done all you can, the rest lies with a higher power. Good luck, a Yorkie is worth it.

[LIL MIS' MAGIC]

Magic is 4lbs and is healthy...we have found that once that hit around 4lbs they tend to be very healty and able to easily get around...Magic can jump onto and off all the furniture in the house with no problem and now that she is older she knows how to stay out of danger from being stepped on...one comment I would have is with Magic, we did have some stomach issues when she was little due to her little weight, she just didn't have enough fat on her to keep her well, but we worked with our vet and the older she got the better she got and now she is as healthy as out 6lb Sailor!! Enjoy your little girl and don't worry about how big/small she will be, just keep her safe!!

WELCOME TO YT!!!

[Deegan's mom]

I just wanted to say welcome to the club! I'm sure that you will get alot of good advice from people here on this forum about your little baby girl. Unfortunetly, I can't help you because I have a little hefer myself. I just took him to the vet on Friday and he weighs 5lbs at 16 weeks old. He's going to be a big boy!